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ArtServe Michigan, a state advocacy organization for arts and cultural groups, is calling on arts supporters to contact senators to oppose a bill that would prevent the Detroit Institute of Arts from seeking another millage to support its operations after the current millage expires.

The measure, HB 5571, is part of the House-approved package of bills that would allocate $195 million in state money to the so-called “grand bargain” meant to shore up city of Detroit pension funds, while spinning off the DIA into an independent nonprofit.

The state money would be added to what is now a $366 million commitment from 12 foundations, and $100 million from the DIA over 20 years, as part of the city’s restructuring plan to emerge from bankruptcy. The plan would still need the approval of U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes.

In approving the bills late last week, the House passed a measure that would prohibit the renewal of a 10-year, three-county property tax millage that provides the DIA with $23 million, or the bulk of its operating budget, each year.

ArtServe, with an assist from CultureSource, an association representing Southeastern Michigan arts and cultural groups, is asking supporters to contact their senators to get the measure removed from the package of bills.

“Let them know you support the Grand Bargain, but HB 5571 was never a part of the negotiated package and is in no way essential or even related to helping Detroit emerge from bankruptcy,” ArtServe said in its call for action.

“Let your senator know that local support for the arts and culture should be left up to voters. “

When the DIA sought voter support for the millage, it said it expected the millage over 10 years to enable it to focus fundraising more heavily on an endowment or permanent reserve that would spin off operating money in perpetuity.

But the DIA’s commitment to the grand bargain requires it to raise about $5 million a year over 20 years, on top of the $12 million it raises to supplement millage revenue from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties for its annual budget, Chairman Eugene Gargaro said in January.